updated 02:10 pm EST, Wed March 7, 2012

New Apple TV official with 1080p, iOS-like UI

As expected, Apple on Wednesday officially announced a new Apple TV, capable of 1080p video playback. The user interface has been improved as well, and people will have the ability to stream movies they've already purchased on iTunes via iCloud. Previously, only TV shows could be streamed. Corresponding with the hardware upgrade, iTunes movies are now being offered in 1080p for the first time.

Other changes include Genius movie recommendations, and a more automated Photo Stream that displays new images without any user interaction. TV shows will be available the day after they air, and iTunes Match support has been implemented. A single-core A5 chip powers the new Apple TV, replacing the old A4 chip.

The updated Apple TV retains the same $99 price tag as its predecessor, and can be pre-ordered now, with units due to ship on March 16.

RE: movies for old ATV

Just my opinion, but I'd say that the old Apple TV will only be able to receive 720p streams for HD movies, thus there will be no major UI update. There may be an update to address some other minor features such as iTunes Match capability, but the hardware is just not there (see A5 vs A4 proc) to allow the 1080p movies.

ONE MAJOR FLAW in the GUI.

The "highlight" selection is dark blue. You can barely see it. Many times already I've lost where I'm at in the GUI. and selected something I didn't mean to. Apple needs to update this fast as it's embarrassing. Bright yellow or white. Or better yet...do a little "zoom scale" on the selected icon or something.